Yom Kippur is about the freedom to choose, former Gaza hostages Keith and Aviva Siegel tell 'Post'

Former Gaza hostages Keith and Aviva Siegel, kidnapped from Kibbutz Kfar Aza on October 7, 2023, spoke to The Jerusalem Post about Yom Kippur after their captivity. Aviva will not fast this year, feeling fewer questions now that all hostages are home. Keith distinguishes fasting from starvation, focusing on spiritual reflection rather than abstaining from food. In captivity, his Jewish identity strengthened as terrorists tried to convert him to Islam. The Siegels now live near their daughter and grandchildren in Gazit.

Former Gaza hostages Keith and Aviva Siegel, kidnapped from Kibbutz Kfar Aza on October 7, 2023, spoke to The Jerusalem Post about Yom Kippur after their captivity. Aviva spent 51 days in captivity; Keith spent 484. They were starved, denied water, physically and mentally tortured, and witnessed sexual assault. Aviva will not fast this year, feeling fewer questions now that all hostages are home. She said the decision of what to do is incredibly important for released hostages. Keith distinguishes fasting from starvation, focusing on spiritual reflection rather than abstaining from food. In captivity, his Jewish identity strengthened as terrorists tried to convert him to Islam. He prayed frequently and thought of Holocaust survivors. The Siegels now live near their daughter and grandchildren in Gazit. The article presents their personal reflections without overt manipulation.